Board Review Course 2024: Environmental Health (Slides)-Spaeth Environmental Health Slides

Spaeth Environmental Health Slides
Pdf Summary
The ACPM 2023 Board Review on Environmental Health presented by Dr. Ken Spaeth discussed various aspects of environmental and occupational medicine. Here's a concise summary of key topics:<br /><br />1. **Environmental History & Exposure**:<br />   - Importance of obtaining a comprehensive exposure history per the ATSDR guidelines.<br />   - Positive responses in health history forms require further inquiry, while negative responses don't eliminate the possibility of toxic exposure.<br /><br />2. **Federal Agencies & Regulations**:<br />   - Regulatory:<br />     - EPA sets and enforces pollution levels, manages hazardous wastes, and ensures new chemical safety.<br />     - Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and others play significant roles.<br />   - Advisory: <br />     - Centers for Disease Control (CDC), National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and others provide guidance.<br />   - Superfund Amendments (SARA) allows for public data on toxic chemical releases.<br /><br />3. **Key Environmental Exposures**:<br />   - **Lead**: Common sources include older buildings, contaminated soil and water, and lead-based paints. No safe blood lead level is identified.<br />   - **Mercury**: Predominantly through seafood. Can cause severe health impacts.<br />   - **Arsenic**: Found in diet, water, and air pollution. Assessed through urinary testing and managed via chelation in severe cases.<br /><br />4. **Pesticides & Exposure**:<br />   - Regulations, sources of exposure, and health effects including the need for decontamination in poisoning cases.<br /><br />5. **Air Quality & Pollution**:<br />   - National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) regulate pollutants like PM2.5, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ozone.<br />   - Indoor air quality concerns include radon, secondhand smoke, and building-related illnesses.<br /><br />6. **Water Safety**:<br />   - Regulations per the Safe Drinking Water Act and issues demonstrated in the Flint water crisis.<br />   - Fluoridation practices for preventing dental caries.<br /><br />7. **Noise Pollution**:<br />   - Health impacts include hearing loss and cardiovascular effects.<br /><br />8. **Extreme Environmental Conditions**:<br />   - **Heat**: Risks and management of heat-related illnesses.<br />   - **Cold**: Risks of hypothermia, frostbite, and related conditions.<br /><br />9. **Disaster Response**:<br />   - Importance of swift public health needs assessment, long-term surveillance, and mental health support.<br />   - Federal response coordination through DHS, FEMA, and CDC.<br /><br />10. **Bioterrorism & Chemical Weapons**:<br />    - Categorization and management of bioterrorism agents.<br />    - Key treatment protocols for chemical agents like nerve agents and vesicants.<br /><br />11. **Ultraviolet (UV) and Ionizing Radiation**:<br />    - Health risks associated with different types of radiation, including strategies for mitigating exposure.<br /><br />12. **Baromedicine & Travel Medicine**:<br />    - Risks and precautions related to high-altitude conditions and necessary travel immunizations.<br /><br />13. **Public Health Strategies**:<br />    - Influence of the built environment on health, risk assessment methodology, effective risk management, and communication in public health contexts. <br /><br />The course underlined critical components and practical insights essential for healthcare providers dealing with environmental and occupational health concerns.
Keywords
Environmental Health
Occupational Medicine
Exposure History
Federal Regulations
Key Exposures
Air Quality
Water Safety
Noise Pollution
Disaster Response
Bioterrorism